14 Common Misconceptions About Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs

Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Are your uPVC window or door mechanism not working properly? Maybe the handles on your uPVC windows and doors are not aligned properly or are difficult to use.
It is essential that the double glazed doors operate smoothly, otherwise you'll lose energy and increase the chances of burglary. Owen the Locksmith will be able to repair your door lock at reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
It can be a hassle when a key gets stuck into a lock. This can also be a security risk in that it can make you vulnerable to an intruder if the door does not lock. There are a few easy fixes you can make to resolve the issue and get your door working again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic you could end up pushing the broken key piece further into the lock.
Next spray WD-40 or a different penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slip out more easily. You can also use the screwdriver to break off any pieces stuck. If you have a chunk of the key that's stuck then grab it using a paperclip or other thin metal object and pull it. Both methods work well, but be very careful not to push the damaged piece of the key further into the keyway.
Some paperclips come with grooved edges which can be used as hook extractors. Jigsaw blades also work well for this. If you don't happen to have any of these, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. Additionally, you can use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the remaining pieces of broken keys.
If you're unable to pull the broken piece of the key out, you can try using a lock de-icer. It is available at all hardware stores. It is used to freeze any moisture or ice that might be in the lock.
If none of these strategies are working you, it's time to call in a locksmith. The experts at Fitlocks can quickly solve problems like broken handles or snapped keys with uPVC locks and door mechanisms. They can also reconfigure your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can book repairs to your double-glazing online or call us to discuss your needs.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose an extremely risky security issue. A professional locksmith can easily fix the cylinder. Locksmiths will need to tap the cylinder in order to repair it. This can be accomplished with a hammer, or any other tool. However, the best method is to employ a wire or long match. Then, put the match's tip or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will then strike the lock to break it. This is more secure than using the hammer, which could harm the lock.
The most frequent cause for cracks in the head of a cylinder is due to overheating. This can occur when the block and cylinder head are made from different metals like cast-iron and aluminium. Different metals can be heated and cool at different rates. This can cause localised hotspots to expand more quickly than the rest.
Another reason that could cause cylinder cracks is corrosion. When the cylinder head and the block of the cylinder are not properly maintained, this can cause corrosion or rust and cause them to expand at a more than they should. Over time, this can cause cracks.
If your uPVC window lock or door is stiff or requires lots of pressure to turn, this could be due to a number of things. This can be caused by a malfunctioning locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners with double glazing. A professional locksmith is able to fix this problem within one hour of arriving at your home. They can repair the locking mechanisms, or change the window handles and change the gearboxes, depending on the specific requirements of your home. A professional locksmith will always be able to advise you on the most cost-effective options for your home. double glazing window repairs can also suggest upgrades to 3 Star security Euro cylinders, TS007, that will give you an additional layer of protection against burglars. It's a small amount to pay for the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secure.
Broken Handle
It's not a surprise that window handle locks could break. They have complex mechanisms that wear out over time. If yours breaks it's difficult to determine the source of the issue and make sure you fix it properly.
If the issue is with the internal locking mechanism or the latch, fixing your broken handle will increase your uPVC double glazing door's security as well as help you to stop draughts. It could be costly to repair or replace your handle incorrectly and it can also harm the frame and lock of your door.
With the window open and the window open, loosen the screw that holds the handle using the screwdriver. This should be located on the inside face of the back plate, which is usually covered by an attractive cover for the screw for aesthetic reasons. You should not lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the plates and levers on either side. It is best to keep them in the same order so that you can re-install them if needed.
Then, rotate the handle so it's at 90 degrees to the window frame and loosen the screw at the back of the handle that fixes it to the internal spindle with another screwdriver. Once the screw is released, you'll be able to pull the handle off and pull off the damaged spindle. Replace it with a brand new one, making sure it is the same length as the previous one (you can typically find these on the internet or at hardware stores) and then securely screw it into the correct position. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the handle or the window frame.
Check that the new handle is fitted after which you can close and test the handle. It is likely that it will operate smoothly and you'll be able to unlock your window.
While you're working on the handle, don't forget to make sure your uPVC windows are shut correctly. If they don't, you could experience draughts and damp in your home, as and also affecting the efficiency of your home's energy usage. A local window company, such as Core Sash Windows, will be able to adjust the hinges on your window frames so they are able to shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more common for the spindle to break rather than the handle. This is most common in uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is attached to a central rod that triggers the locks that are shaped like mushrooms and secure into the frame of the window keep. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is possible that the spindle has been damaged and this could be a very frustrating issue.
Fortunately, there are ways to rectify this issue. A good locksmith can quickly and efficiently solve the issue. They can take apart the window handle using a tool that removes the wheel component of the mechanism that is where the spindle goes. This can be done without damaging the handle or causing other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed the technician can then examine the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves breaking the spindle into its individual parts and meticulously noting their general condition as in addition to any specific areas of damage or excessive wear. The process is carried out in a clean room by skilled technicians.
Then, clean the damaged spindle. This will help get rid of any dirt or other debris that may be obstructing it from functioning normally. The spindle may then be repaired or replaced. If it is being replaced the technician could use an identical dowel size to the one used in the first and drill mating holes in both pieces of the spindle. This ensures that the new spindle has an exact fit with the handle.
If the damaged spindle can't be repaired, it could need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements but if the window design is unusual then you'll require contacting a cabinet maker or woodworker who can replicate the exact part. Once the spindle has been installed, it can be fixed to the handle. Place the screw holes on the handle to the existing screws in the frame. Once the handle is firmly set, you are able to operate your uPVC windows.